The next generation of beef leaders were firmly on the minds of those attending a session of the same name at Beef 2024 last week.
Facilitated by award-winning rural journalist Arlie Felton-Taylor, the seminar was a collaboration between specialist agricultural insurer Achmea Australia and Angus Australia, with representatives from both organisations joined by bright young minds in the agriculture industry.
Mental health was top of mind and threaded through the panel discussion.
For sixth-generation livestock producer Jack Laurie, from Gloucester, NSW, men's mental health, was particularly important. He revealed that of the 280 boys in his final year of schooling in 2016, there had been three suicides.
“They were all country boys, you never would have picked it,” he said.
“It can be challenging to talk about some of those things, and to find someone to listen.”
Ed Bradley, from Hazeldean Angus and Merino Stud in Cooma, NSW, echoed his concern for mental health, pointing out the large amount of time people in the industry spend by themselves.
“I think it’s important if you can and you’re willing, if you do see the people who are doing it tough, have them around for a cup of tea.
“Everyone is pretty good at working 16 hours back-to-back ... it’s rewarding but it comes at a cost.”
Mastering work-life balance is a tough topic in all industries – but for the ag representatives on the panel, sport was a key feature in getting it right.
Achmea Australia Chief Executive Officer, Emma Thomas, told the crowd that she was playing hockey again and Angus Australia Extension Officer Nancy Crawshaw said exercise, as well as reconnecting with friends in New Zealand, were top of her list.
Young father Ed’s plan was short but hard to achieve: “I’m just looking for a bit of sleep really and not too much grog.”
Jack was honest when he said: “My work-life balance doesn’t exist. I really really enjoy what I do. I’m a great victim of burning out and turning my phone off for two days.”
For Angus Australia Extension Manager, Jake Phillips, based in Naracoorte, South Australia, who has a 3.5-year-old son, it’s about being present in his current activity.
“My wife and I are all of his world. If I need to do something with him, I'm with him. When I’m at Beef Australia, I’m at Beef Australia. I try not to get distracted,” he said.
NSW Genomics Territory Manager at Neogen Australasia Hannah Powe shared that it was OK not to be busy all the time, even if this was uncomfortable for many farmers to think about. There should be no guilt for resting.
Nancy has a theory when it comes to retaining young people in workplaces: “Watch them grow or watch them go.”
For Ed, he was once told that your 20s are for learning and 30s for earning.
“Try a few different industries,” he said.
“Do a few different things while you’re young and you can.”
Hannah said it was important that management understand what employees wanted to get out of the role.
“Ask employees what you want to get out of this role and what we can help you get out of it,” she said.
Jake said support for managers was an area that could be improved – so they didn’t always have to learn the hard way.
Jack encouraged those watching on to not be afraid to find a mentor.
“It doesn’t have to be an old guy in his rocking chair drinking whisky,” he said.
“It just has to be someone you can trust.”
Emma: The world's your oyster. Opportunities like GenAngus will come up, take them, and if you can't find them, ask for them. You'll find that there are people out there willing to help you. Sign up for a lifetime of learning, because there's no such thing as you've got a degree and you're done. There really is so much to learn as the world keeps changing.
Hannah: Be the change that you want to see. If you want more vulnerability, be vulnerable, if you want more communication, put it out there, start communicating more.
Ed: Read lots, read as much variety as you can, it’s always helpful.
Nancy: Get comfortable being uncomfortable because that's where all the growth takes place. So, all those things that you ever put off, just put your hand up, put your name in the room, the worst thing that can happen is they say no and the best that can happen is that it opens up a whole new opportunity.
Jack: There's an insurance company (Achmea Australia) out there supporting young people in ag and I think we need to keep that in the back of our mind. GenAngus has done so much for not only us four, but as was mentioned, it’s going to be nearly 55 young leaders that have done the program. I think that's really important, and we need to keep that in mind.
Jake: Leave the jersey in a better place. Don't worry about perfection. You don't have to be with an employer forever. Just make sure that when you leave, leave the earth, leave the job, that things are better than when you found it.
To find out more about Achmea Australia, please visit www.achmea.com.au. To find out more about the GenAngus Future Leaders Program, please visit www.angusaustralia.com.au